Asaba — DELTA State Police Command has banned the celebration of new yam festival in Issele Mkpetime town in a move to forestall breakdown of law and order in the community following security reports that two warring factions in the community were spoiling for a showdown.
There had been rumblings within traditional ruling hierarchy over unresolved issues, which degenerated to the reported suspension of the Iyase (Prime Minister) of the community by the traditional ruling council but the Iyase himself refused to bow.
The Police had recently stopped public procession in connection with a similar celebration of the new yam festival in Asaba.
Spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Victor Obasuyi in a statement in Asaba yesterday said “the annual yam festival of Issele Mkpetime is supposed to take off anytime from now. As a result of the conflicting dates by two factions in the community, there is likely to be a breakdown of law and order if not properly handled.
“The command will not fold its arms and watch any person or group to conduct themselves in a manner which is likely to cause a breach of the peace. Against this background”, the statement added, “the disputants are advised to eat their new yam in their homes if that will create an albatross. Therefore, public gatherings and processions for the purpose of this festival al is hereby banned until further notice”, the statement added.
Bans fuel price hike protests
Meanwhile, the state police has allegedly threatened to deal ruthlessly with anybody caught demonstrating over the recent fuel price hike, saying that such action would be treated as illegal without obtaining a permit.
A statement by the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Charles Akaya stated that “it has been observed that the pump price of petroleum products had been marginally increased by marketers and Nigerians have been expressing their opinions from various perspectives.
“The Public Order Act of 1979 provides that public rallies, processions and meetings will be illegal if a permit has not been obtained. Applications for the purpose should be processed to the office of the Commissioner of Police 48 hours before the occasions for consideration and anything done contrary to the provisions of this act will not be tolerated”, it warned.
